Sermons on John
When Heaven Meets Earth – Week 6
Jesus is everything we need. In John 11 Jesus interacted with three siblings and gives each exactly what they needed. Martha needed to clarity, she needed to know the Jesus is the Messiah. Mary needed compassion, Jesus wept with her. Lazarus needed resurrection, Jesus IS THE resurrection and life! We all need each of these gifts from Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-9). Come to Him and be born again.
When Heaven Meets Earth – Week 5
In the ninth chapter of John, Jesus heals a man blind from birth. Now this man did not ask to be healed and then he was heavily questioned about the healing. His response was simple and pure, “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” Though he was not seeking Jesus he know the truth and he boldly spoke the truth. In a way, we all carry defects from birth – sin. If you fine yourself…
When Heaven Meets Earth – Week 2
Storms come, you can be sure of it. Literal or metaphorical, they often come without warning and without reason. Jesus has power over these storms, power over the literal storms in His creation, and power over the storms in your life. When Jesus calms the storm (Matthew 8:23-27), the disciples even ask, ‘What sort of man is this?’ echoing Psalm 107:24-31. He is the master of creation! Though the disciples were afraid, and there is certainly a reverent fear we…
When Heaven Meets Earth – Week 1
When we have needs or even great desires, it is exciting when are they are fulfilled. There is great joy, rightfully so. When we are talking about the miracles of Jesus, there is even more excitement. However, we also need to be careful to not treat God as a vending machine, which has been the pattern of many pagan beliefs. When looking Jesus’ first miracle in John 2:1-11, we see that it is a sign that point to something very…
Out of the Whirlwind – Week 2
We do not serve a pocket sized God. If we get anything from the book of Job it is that our God is BIG – and we can trust Him. Though Job’s friends comfort him at first (Job 2:11-13), they slowly turn from good, to the bad and the ugly. Too often (like Job’s friends) we have a karma attitude about bad things happening; that there is a deserved. Let’s not be miserable comforters (Job 16). We need to listen,…
Abide – Week 3
No one claims to be an expert on prayer; we all feel inadequate. There are many difficulties and many distractions. In one way, prayer is very easy; however, it is also deeply complex. Prayer should be the business of Christians; it is our duty, and it should be our delight. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he describes this rich, deep desire to know the love of God (Ephesians 3:14-21). Prayer is the most likely place to be this close…
Abide – Week 1
In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, today we ask, how might we grow spiritually this year? How do we worry less and pray more? The “Gospel Hardware” is Jesus. He stated that He is the true vine; you are clean because of the words He has spoken. Apart from Him you can do nothing. “Abide in me,” Christ said. (John 15:1-11). Abide is a verb relating to where you live. Where is your permanent spiritual address? Live in constant…
Waiting Room – Hope
How do we be patient in our waiting periods? How do we recognize that it is not a waste of time? The fall broke our relationship with God, others, creation, and ourselves. However, in the same verses of Genesis that describe the fall, God presents the protoevangelium; the first good news of the redeemer. Jesus is that redeemer. He brought Himself down to a position such that Satan could strike His heel, yet in the same act, Jesus crushed Satan…
Down to Earth – Week 1
What does true humility look like? In John 13:1–17, we see true humility. Jesus, fully aware of His identity and authority, took a posture of a servant and washed His disciples’ feet. His example challenges our ideas about strength, success, and status. Pride can quietly shape the way we see ourselves and others. Humility begins with security in who we are in Christ! Jesus invites us to lay aside self-importance, serve others freely, and discover the blessing that comes from…
Lettuce statements for the Church
You probably didn’t feel a cultural pressure to attend church this morning. Most likely you wanted to come. Why is that? Why come to church? Hebrews 10:19-25 provides us some answers to these questions. It states three “let us” statements about being together in church. First, let us draw near with hearts full of faith and cleansed by Jesus’ blood. The curtain was torn, and we have access to a new living way, full of ‘zoe’ life in Christ. Second,…
Following Jesus – Week 16
All history points to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (Matthew 27:27-54). The cross is a scandal (1 Cor 1:18); it makes no sense to invent such a thing – to use a device of torture as a symbol of grace. This idea of sacrifice is alarming (especially the sacrifice of Jesus); could there be another way? Even Jesus asked this question. The night of His death, He prayed; “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but…
Walk Wisely – Week 6
We are social creatures. We need friends (Proverbs 18:24). Though we may have many acquaintances and FB friends, these are not the friends we’re talking about. We need friends that give good advice and challenge our foolish wanderings (Proverbs 13:20). Sure, you are influential, but more importantly, you are influenced. Be aware of the influences around you (1 Corinthians 15:33)(Proverbs 27:6, 17). That doesn’t mean we expect perfection in our friendships; we all stumble from time to time. There is…